Rep. Cuellar Announces $14.6 Million for Mission Reach Project in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan

Increasing recreational and economic benefits of local waterways in San Antonio

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $14.6 million in federal reimbursement towards the Mission Reach Project, which he secured in the FY18 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, that was included in the FY18 Work Plan released today by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The Mission Reach Project is a USACE project to prevent San Antonio River flooding and restore natural plant and animal habitats. With additional help from Representatives Hurd, Doggett, Smith, and Castro, money to complete the project was loaned to the USACE by Bexar County. The inclusion of the Mission Reach Project in the Army Corps’ Work Plan means that Bexar County will receive $14.6 million dollars in reimbursement this year. This additional $14.6 million will bring the total project reimbursement to $30.8 million dollars, in the last three years, and will support the completion of many important projects throughout San Antonio.

Congressman Cuellar is continuing to work to secure additional reimbursement in FY19. He has already secured an additional $15 million in the FY19 House Energy & Water Appropriations bill, that passed the House last week. He is working to have the $15 million in FY19 included in the USACE FY19 Work Plan.

In May, this essential funding was used to restore San Pedro Creek Culture Park in Bexar County. This transformative project includes key features that provide flood mitigation within its river banks, enhanced water quality, and sustainability of the surrounding habitat. Additional projects are set to be completed this upcoming year.

“I am glad to see the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provide additional reimbursement for the Mission Reach Project,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This funding has had undeniable benefits for the Bexar community, and I am pleased to see that the requests I made to help my district made it into the Work Plan. I look forward to seeing the completion of the restoration and am confident that these communities will have access to the health, recreational and economic benefits of local waterways.

Congressman Cuellar added, “I would like to thank my fellow Appropriators for helping approve my $14.6 million request in the Appropriations Committee. I would also like to thank them for their assistance in helping bring these funds back to Bexar County for further community development.”

According to the San Antonio River Authority (SARA), “The Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project has transformed an eight mile stretch of the San Antonio River into a quality riparian woodland ecosystem. This unique project restores riverine features and riparian woodlands, reintroduces native plants, enhances aquatic habitat, and reconnects cultural and historical features.”